In the ever-evolving landscape of modern healthcare, the role of the respiratory therapist (RT) continues to transcend the traditional bedside setting. From academic leadership and legislative advocacy to compassionate personal intervention and artistic contribution, American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) members are currently at the forefront of a nationwide shift in how respiratory health is prioritized, educated, and celebrated.
The following report highlights the diverse and impactful contributions of AARC members, whose recent work in late 2025 and early 2026 has drawn significant media attention across the United States. These stories serve as a testament to the versatility and dedication of RTs in today’s society.
I. Academic Advancement and Institutional Leadership
The foundation of the respiratory care profession lies in rigorous academic training and the continuous evolution of pedagogical standards. Several AARC members have recently spearheaded initiatives that are reshaping the educational landscape for future clinicians.
Boise State University’s New School of Respiratory Care
Dr. Megan Koster, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, has been instrumental in a major organizational shift at Boise State University. The university recently announced the establishment of a dedicated School of Respiratory Care, a transition from its previous status as a department within the School of Allied Health Sciences.
This institutional promotion is more than a change in nomenclature; it is a strategic maneuver designed to provide RT educators with the autonomy and resources necessary to accelerate research initiatives. By elevating respiratory care to its own school, Boise State signals a commitment to clinical inquiry and faculty-led research that will undoubtedly contribute to the broader body of respiratory evidence-based practice. Read more about the transition here.
Excellence in Degree Advancement
While some institutions are restructuring, others are being recognized for their established excellence. Dr. Joan Kreiger, EdD, RRT, RPFT, FNAP, FAARC, recently accepted the prestigious AARC Apex Award on behalf of Southern Connecticut State University. The award honors the university’s Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT) degree advancement program.
Accepted by Dr. Kreiger during the AARC Congress 2026 in Phoenix, the award underscores the importance of academic progression in the field. As the requirements for clinical practice become more complex, programs like those at Southern Connecticut State serve as the gold standard for preparing therapists to handle the multifaceted demands of modern healthcare systems. Read about the award-winning program here.
II. The Human Connection: Compassion in Clinical Care
While institutional growth is vital, the core of respiratory therapy remains the patient-provider relationship. Two recent stories demonstrate how RTs often provide the bridge between clinical expertise and profound human need.
The Personal Stakes of NICU Care
John Dvorak, BS, RRT, recently shared his personal journey with St. Cloud LIVE, illustrating the deep intersection between professional training and personal tragedy. Dvorak’s path into respiratory care was tested when his own niece was born with severe respiratory complications. The ability to step in as a skilled clinician while navigating the emotional turbulence of a family crisis highlights a unique attribute of the profession: the capacity to provide high-level care under the most challenging personal circumstances. Dvorak’s story is a poignant reminder that for many, respiratory care is not just a job, but a calling rooted in the desire to protect the most vulnerable. Read the full story here.
Pinning Ceremonies and the Future Workforce
The pipeline of new talent was on full display at Newman University, where AARC members Dr. Tim Cho, MD, RRT, and Charity Clark, MSOHRD, RRT, alongside student member Haven Sjogren, participated in a pinning ceremony for nursing and RT graduates. These ceremonies act as a rite of passage, marking the transition from academic theory to clinical reality. The involvement of established professionals like Dr. Cho and Clark serves to mentor the next generation, ensuring that the human-centric values of the profession are passed down to those who will lead the field in the coming decades. Read more about the pinning ceremony here.
III. Environmental Advocacy and Public Health Oversight
Respiratory therapists are increasingly acting as public health sentinels, identifying environmental threats to community lung health.
Investigative Insights in Florida
Joseph Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, CHSOS, CMSP, FAARC, NBREMTB, recently provided critical expert commentary to the WINK News investigative team regarding a waste and recycling plant in Collier County, Florida. Residents have filed nearly 30 complaints regarding dust particles, leading to concerns about potential long-term respiratory health implications.
Dr. Buhain’s role in this investigation underscores the unique position of RTs as experts in air quality and inhalation health. By analyzing the potential impact of particulate matter, Dr. Buhain is helping to bridge the gap between community complaints and medical science, ensuring that public health is prioritized alongside industrial compliance. Review the investigation here.
IV. Recognition for High-Performance Maternity Care
As hospitals vie for national rankings, the inclusion of respiratory care in maternity units has become a benchmark for excellence. Haley Mitchell, RRT, RRT-NPS, was recently featured in a Penn State Health news release celebrating the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s recognition as a 2026 High-Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report.
The presence of specialized respiratory therapists in maternity and neonatal wards is a critical factor in achieving these high performance ratings. Mitchell’s role reflects the integral nature of RTs in managing the delicate respiratory needs of both mothers and newborns, a specialty area that remains essential to modern obstetric outcomes. See the full report here.
V. Beyond the Bedside: Artistic Contributions
Finally, the versatility of AARC members extends into the cultural sphere. Jim Rudegeair, RRT, RRT-ACCS, was recently profiled in the Lebanon Daily News for his artistic contribution to America’s upcoming semi-quincentennial.
Rudegeair designed a custom Liberty Bell sculpture to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This intersection of creative expression and professional life reminds the public that RTs are well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities in ways that extend far beyond their clinical practice. It is a testament to the passion and creativity that define the AARC membership base. Read the story here.
VI. Implications for the Future of Respiratory Care
The breadth of these stories—from academic restructuring at Boise State to environmental investigation in Florida—reveals a profession in a state of positive transition. The implications for the future of respiratory care are significant:
- Professional Autonomy: The movement toward independent schools of respiratory care suggests that the field is moving away from being a "support service" and toward being an independent clinical and academic discipline.
- Public Health Leadership: As evidenced by Dr. Buhain’s work, RTs are increasingly viewed as the experts to call upon when environmental factors threaten lung health. This suggests a potential shift toward a greater role for RTs in community public health and policy-making.
- Holistic Patient Care: The focus on family-centered care, as seen in the work of John Dvorak, continues to be the backbone of the profession. Despite technological advancements, the emphasis on the human connection remains the most valued aspect of the RT role.
- Academic Rigor: The AARC Apex Award and the graduation of new classes signal that the professional standards are rising, with a clear trend toward higher-level degrees (BSRT) and specialized certifications.
As we move further into 2026, the respiratory care profession stands at a crossroads of innovation and tradition. Through the work of members like those featured here, the AARC continues to demonstrate that respiratory therapists are not just participants in the healthcare system, but are, in fact, the architects of its future. Whether they are researching the next generation of ventilator protocols, advocating for cleaner air, or simply holding the hand of a patient in need, AARC members remain the essential guardians of the breath.
